Saturday, October 6, 2007 - Updated Prayer Request

We just got back from the hospital. We’re not quite sure what to report on Olivia. It seems that we’re back where we were a few weeks ago. She is off of her milk and back on IV fluids. Her vent settings have been turned back up. She had 2 major desat episodes this afternoon where she also dropped her heart rate fairly low. As you know, her breathing tube was getting too small so they have now put in a bigger breathing tube. During the transition, however, she was on CPAP for awhile and was doing very well. It seemed she liked not having a tube in her mouth. When she’s not being messed with, they have been able to get her down to room air (21% oxygen) with her new breathing tube. The doctors believe that she is fighting an infection and her last bloodwork showed her platelets and hemoglobin were a little low. If it is an infection, it was caught very early. They have already started her on an antibiotic. There are no signs so far of NEC (which is a really really bad word in the NICU.) Her last X-ray showed no air outside of the bowels, but her bowels did not have a good gas pattern. This could be because of an infection or because of the tube that they are using to suction out the gas from her tummy. They are also suctioning out some blood, however, they feel this is just due to irritation from the tube and are not overly concerned. They have started her on some Zantac. Her next X-ray is at midnight, so it seems this will be another long night. Please please pray for my Olivia. We have faith that this is just a temporary setback. I don’t want to take any prayers away from my little girl, but please also pray for Ryan and me. I’m having such a hard time dealing with all of this stress. . .sometimes it’s more than I can handle. I’m having a hard time just functioning in everyday life. Please don’t stop praying! I need my little girl home with me.

"Jesus says: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. And I will give you rest for your souls'" - Matthew 11:28

Saturday, October 6, 2007 - Prayer Request

I just received this email from Jodi. Please be praying for Olivia today. Please be in prayer for the doctor's as they take care of Olivia. Please pray they will know how best to treat her.

We’re worried about Olivia right now. The doctor called this morning and said that they had to stop her feedings. Her abdominal girth had grown by 2 cm. They did an x-ray and it showed a lot of gas and distention. They worry about something called NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) which is very very serious. They don’t believe that’s what it is and are just being extra cautious. Some blood work was done and it has come back okay so far. They put a tube down to her stomach to get rid of some of the gas and are going to do a repeat x-ray. We should hear back anytime from the doctor and we will let everyone know what we find out. Please always keep her in your prayers!!

Friday, October 5, 2007 - Update

I am happy to announce that Olivia has passed the 2 lb mark. She now weighs 2 lb 1 oz. What a big girl!! Her vent settings are lower than they’ve ever been. They are 19/5 with a rate of 18 bpm. I can’t even begin to describe her amazing personality. She’s definitely going to keep us on our toes. Olivia knows how to set off the ventilator alarm . . I think she does it by holding her breath. She drops and raises her saturation level and sets off those beeps. All of the other babies around her seem so quiet and subdued. Before Ryan and I even reach her bedside, we hear the alarms and beeps. We just look at each other and say, “That has to be our Olivia!” No matter how tightly the nurses wrap her up, she manages to get her arms and legs out. She has amazingly strong neck muscles and actually managed (while on her stomach) to lift up her head and turn it the other way. (Not a good thing while she’s attached to the ventilator.) The other day when we talked about how ornery she was, I promise you. . .she made the biggest grin. I can’t wait to watch her grow up and see who she becomes!!

Friday, October 5, 2007 - Update

I just wanted to thank everyone for their love and support. I also would highly recommend Downing and Lahey mortuary and Resthaven Cemetery. I only mention this because we had to choose a mortuary before we left the hospital on the night that Logan passed away. Not only were we not in the right frame of mind, but we had no idea about any of this. I’ve heard a lot of horror stories. Ryan and I were treated, however, with such care and compassion. Resthaven even donates all of the plots in Babyland where Logan is buried. Thank you to everyone who has helped us through this difficult time.

As most of you know, Logan had to be delivered by emergency c-section. Most people would be frustrated by this, but looking back I consider it such a blessing. I look down at my scar and am constantly reminded of the beautiful baby boy that I carried. I know that the pain of losing him will fade over time, but like my scar. . .it will never go away. Ryan and I loved him so very much and we are so grateful for the time that we had with him. His sister, Olivia, is the most amazing little girl in the whole world. Holding her last night was beyond words. I drifted off to sleep last night thinking happy thoughts for the first time in a long time. I would say that I waited 5 ½ long weeks to hold her, but in truth I have waited my whole life to hold my child in my arms. I feel selfish, but my intent was never to be an inspiration to anybody. I just wanted to be a mom.

We are getting ready to go up and visit Olivia. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Thursday, October 4, 2007 - Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

First Family Picture
(Their smiles tell the story! What an awesome blessing!)

These pictures are too beautiful for words. Praise God for His endless blessings!

Thursday, October 4, 2007 - Update and Praise!

We went up to see Olivia tonight after Ryan finished working. She was having a tougher time today and my hopes of holding my little girl were dashed once again. Her oxygen saturation was all over the place and she seemed extremely restless. This may be due to the caffeine that she was started on again. When we were getting ready to leave, our nurse and the respiratory therapist suggested something that might help her. They asked if I wanted to hold her. Of course I did, but I wanted what was best for her. Dr. Hsiao mentioned earlier this week that she may only tolerate 5-10 minutes at a time. Anyway, today I got to hold my baby girl and it seemed to be as wonderful for her as it was for me. Her oxygen requirements stabilized and I was able to hold her for 1 hour and 20 minutes. I could have held her all night long and I think she would have tolerated it if I hadn’t needed to pump and eat dinner. I needed this so much today. . .the pain of losing my precious Logan hurts so badly. Most babies are dependent upon their parents for their every need. I think, however, that Ryan and I need Olivia even more than she needs us. She brings us unimaginable peace.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
Ephesians 3:17

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 - Update

I thought I would attempt to write an update tonight. I have never felt such sadness and pain. I didn’t know that it was possible to literally feel your heart breaking. Logan is so very missed. He was the son that Ryan and I had dreamed of all our lives. Somehow, however, I am able to find glimpses of peace and comfort. I find it in my husband’s embrace and in my daughter’s beautiful eyes. I find it in the love and support of family, friends and even strangers. I find it in the hugs of my nieces and nephews. I know that we must continue on for our daughter, Olivia. She deserves to have parents who teach her about the goodness of God and whose hearts aren’t filled with bitterness.

I was scheduled to begin kangaroo care with Olivia today and looked forward to holding her in my arms. Sadly, I was unable to today. She had an apnea and bradycardia earlier in the day that prevented me from doing so. But, that’s okay. . .I don’t want to rush her. She’ll let us know when the time is right. She still got her story and hand hugs and is doing well. She grows more beautiful every time I see her. They have begun the caffeine therapy again in preparation for the day that she gets off the ventilator. That is the goal that we are working towards right now. Her breathing tube is actually getting too small for her. They are hoping it can be removed versus replacing it with a bigger one. Again, we don’t want to rush her.

I want to thank you all again for your love and support. It is very much needed at this time. Please always remember Logan and continue praying for Olivia. We need to have her home with us. These were written on tags attached to two of the stuffed animals.

Loved by all
Olivia’s brother
Gone to be with God
Always in our hearts
Not forgotten


One beautiful girl
Logan’s sister
Innocent
Very special
In our hearts
Angel

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 - Olivia Update

Olivia posing - showing how pretty she is.

Mommy says this picture looks like Olivia is playing the guitar! :)

After speaking with Jodi tonight I am very happy to report that their visit this evening with Olivia was a good one. Olivia continues to grow stronger each day and she now weighs 1lb 15oz. Olivia has a really fun personality. It seems she does something cute and funny each time Ryan and Jodi visit with her. Tonight when the nurse was trying to clean her mouth she placed her hand over her own mouth so the nurse couldn't get to it. Jodi also shared with me that when Ryan was applying lotion to Olivia's skin she made a cute pouty face! These stories are beautiful and so wonderful to hear.

Jodi shared with me that tonight Dr. Hsaio said there is a possibility that as soon as tomorrow Jodi may be able to hold Olivia!! She would be able to start the kangaroo care with Olivia. She will be able to hold Olivia skin-to-skin. I am attaching a link that you can read about kangaroo care in further detail. http://www.johnmuirhealth.com/index.php/publications96.html

Their hopes are that Olivia will tolerate this. So a special request to add to our prayers tonight and tomorrow is that Olivia will be ready to receive this special treatment. What a joy it will be for Ryan and Jodi to hold their precious Olivia!! This is truly news that Ryan and Jodi needed to receive on this day.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 - Remembering Logan

Today we celebrated Logan's life and the impact his life had on so many. We thank God for his life and we thank God for His promise of life eternal with Him.
May Ryan and Jodi continue to feel God's loving hand upon them.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Jodi tells me that Olivia was doing very well today. Ryan and Jodi were able to read more to her. Jodi tells me that Olivia had her eyes open today and was resting peacefully while being read to. She fell asleep at the end of the story. They enjoy visiting with their sweet little daughter. She's already developing a fun personality!

Please continue to be in prayer for Olivia. She continues to do so well and the doctor is pleased with her progress. But, we must not forget that there is power in prayer and we must continue to pray for healing and health.

Continue to pray for the Glunt family. Tomorrow they will bury their son Logan William. Cover them with your prayers at this time.

Olivia 9.30.07

Precious Olivia

Please continue to be in prayer for Olivia.

Fly

Updated - Funeral Information

The service will be on:
Tuesday, October 2, 2007

at 10:00 am

__________________________

The service will take place at:

Maize United Methodist Church

208 E. Central

Maize, KS 67101

722-0413

__________________________

There will be a small graveside service at
Resthaven Cemetery immediately
following the service.

__________________________

You may bring a small stuffed animal to

lay by the casket if you wish.

Logan William Glunt
GODDARD - Glunt, Logan William, infant son of Jodi and Ryan Glunt, was born August 27, 2007 and died Friday, September 28, 2007. Funeral service is 10:00 am Tuesday at Maize United Methodist Church. Other survivors include twin sister, Olivia; grandparents; Pat and Don Sailing of Wichita, Mary and Bill Glunt of Maize; great-grandparents, Pink and Wanda Jackson of Wichita and Mabel Glunt of Jetmore. A memorial has been established with Wesley Medical Center, Attn: NICU, 550 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67214. Tributes may be sent to the family via dlwichita.com

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Fourteen years ago today, another family lost their precious son, long before they were ready to say goodbye. On September 30, 1993 Jeff Dillon's life was cut short in an auto accident. Jeff's parents, Dan and Carol are close family friends with the Sailing family. (Jodi's family)

Jodi and I were talking on the phone last night about how Logan and Jeff are now in heaven together. Jodi laughed as she said Jeff was probably telling Logan some pretty funny stories about his mommy. Jeff was like an older brother to Jodi - so you know he has some pretty ornery stories to share. While we miss them dearly - they have been made whole again. They are with our Lord.

Today we would like to honor all parents who have lost a child. God bless you in all that you have had to endure. You're reward in heaven is great. Please say a prayer for these families today.

Please continue to be in prayer for Olivia. I will post updates later on in the day.